Associate Laboratory Director, Physical Sciences Directorate

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Life insurance

Paid holidays and vacation

Educational assistance

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking an Associate Laboratory Director for the Physical Sciences Directorate to oversee fundamental and applied research. The role requires a Ph.D. and significant executive management experience concentrating on energy technologies, nuclear physics, and chemical sciences.

You will lead teams to enhance science and energy integration, providing leadership in developing R&D programs and managing significant resources. A commitment to excellence, strong collaboration, and significant contributions to scientific innovation is essential.

Qualifications

• 3-10 years of executive management experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE security clearance.
• Research stature in Physical Sciences.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Physical Sciences Directorate's research programs.
• Manage DOE Basic Energy Sciences and Nuclear Physics programs.
• Integrate materials and chemical sciences capabilities across ORNL.

Skills

Research management

Stakeholder communication

Strategic planning

Education

Ph.D. in a technical field

Job description

Associate Laboratory Director, Physical Sciences Directorate

Full-time

To be formally considered, all applicants must apply via the ORNL Careers Page at http://www.ornl.gov/careers

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the US Department of Energy's largest multi-program science and energy laboratory, with scientific and technical capabilities spanning the continuum from basic to applied research. Located in the city of Oak Ridge, ORNL is in the eastern part of Tennessee in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.

PURPOSE:

The Associate Laboratory Director (ALD) for Physical Sciences supports the Laboratory Director in accomplishing Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s (ORNL) mission by leading the Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD). The ALD oversees PSD’s portfolio in fundamental and applied chemical and materials research integrating experimental, theoretical, and computational approaches for basic energy sciences programs and a variety of energy technologies, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, transportation, fossil energy, fusion energy, and nuclear energy. In addition, the ALD oversees research in nuclear physics, including low energy physics, relativistic heavy ions, theory, and fundamental symmetries of matter. The Directorate applies ORNL’s distinctive science and technology capabilities to these mission areas, providing a unique R&D platform to customers that complements and extends the overall Laboratory mission. The ALD for PSD is also responsible for providing scientific leadership to build and integrate a focused research and development program portfolio for the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS), a Department of Energy / Office of Science Nanoscale Science Research Center (NSRC). Other responsibilities include implementation of management systems, operations, safety, security, compliance, and performance assessments across the entire Directorate, and serving on the Laboratory Leadership Team.

MAJOR DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Enhance world‑leading scientific research programs in materials sciences, chemical sciences, nuclear physics and isotopes, as well as deliver high impact science with notable achievements.
• Strengthen science to energy integration at ORNL in areas relevant to materials and chemical processes, including leading electrical energy storage, polymers and composites, structural materials, separations and catalysis activities, among others.
• Manage DOE Basic Energy Sciences and Nuclear Physics programs with distinction by 1) ensuring high impact publications and successful reviews in all program areas, including effective oversight of the management and operations of two Energy Frontier Research Centers, 2) managing Nuclear Physics construction projects effectively, and 3) managing isotope production and support National Isotope Development Center (NIDC).
• Ensure growth of world‑leading nanoscience research capabilities and a vibrant user program at the CNMS.
• Provide leadership in the integration of materials and chemical sciences capabilities across ORNL to promote laboratory‑wide growth, including energy sciences and technology, life sciences, computational sciences, neutron sciences, and national security.
• Provide leadership for the R&D Work Control Management System.
• Integrate and implement commercialization activities through the Directorate’s business plan and strategies.
• Implement management systems, operations, safety, compliance, and performance assessments across the entire Directorate, and serving on the Laboratory Leadership Team.
• Work with Laboratory Director and Leadership Team to identify and implement strategic research opportunities, including LDRD (Laboratory‑Directed Research and Development) priorities.
• Manage programmatic funds and discretionary investments for research and program development, and act as steward for laboratory operations, facilities, capital, and equipment.
• Maintain compliance with Laboratory policies, standards, and procedures as documented in SBMS and implement operational standards to meet the expectations of the Laboratory Agenda.
• Develop and manage self‑assessment programs, assuring alignment with the Laboratory Critical Outcomes, the Laboratory Agenda, and other internal or DOE performance metrics.
• Act as the primary Directorate contact and represent the Directorate on Lab‑Level committees, task forces, and working groups with a shared responsibility for the overall lab‑wide science and technology strategy.
• Identify staffing and other resource requirements and support recruiting initiatives in diversity, fellowships, and university relations.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Ph.D. in a technical field related to the research conducted in a large Division or Directorate, with 3-10 years of demonstrated executive management experience, including developing and leading large, complex and multidisciplinary research programs.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a DOE security clearance.
• An internationally recognized research stature in one of the disciplines within Physical Sciences and experience in managing large multi‑disciplinary science programs.
• Experience communicating with key stakeholders, clients, program sponsors, and internal staff and regarded as a leading expert and visionary in the field of Physical Sciences.
• Demonstrated experience successfully developing, implementing, and executing scientific strategy with engagement from critical stakeholders.
• Experience with the DOE Office of Science is preferred, especially Basic Energy Sciences or Nuclear Physics.

Special Requirements:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre‑placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

OUR BENEFITS:

Excellence in performance of the Laboratory requires excellence in the performance of our employees. ORNL recognizes this by offering competitive pay and benefits programs designed to attract and retain people who share our commitment to excellence. The Lab offers a multitude of employee benefits, including flexible work hours and wellness programs to help you and your family achieve a happy, healthy lifestyle.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance
• Paid holidays, vacation, and leave
• Educational assistance
• Employee wellness programs and onsite fitness centers
• Relocation assistance
• Much more

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. UT‑Battelle is an E‑Verify employer.

To be formally considered, all applicants must apply via the ORNL Careers Page at https://www.ornl.gov/ornl/careers